Aluminum-Based Technically-Ready Aerostructural Solutions with a Quantum Leap In Performance

Alcoa has been at the forefront of every major milestone in aerospace history.  Recent progress in the launching of composite-intensive aircraft has pushed us to take our innovation efforts to the next level.  Intense efforts in the development of advanced alloy products with a quantum leap in performance have now resulted in a system of aluminum-based product solutions which are at a high level of technology readiness for applications.  Application-specific product options for key structural components will be discussed and compared with incumbents.  New advancements in Al-Li products for tension- and compression-dominated wing applications will be highlighted and compared with conventional alloy products.  New high performance Al-Li fuselage alloy products will be discussed in light of their raised design drivers.  New generation 7XXX and Al-Li “thick” products for internal structures of both metallic- and composite-intensive aircraft will be introduced.  Advancements in Al-Li forging development will be presented.